Best Lightweight Luggage 2017: Carry-Ons and Beyond

Best Lightweight Luggage 2017

If we had a nickel for every time we’ve seen a sweaty traveler lugging a suitcase up subway steps, or struggling to lift a crammed carry-on into the overhead bin…well, we’d have enough for a nice cocktail at least. We can’t help you with the impulse to over-pack, but there’s no reason to drag a heavy suitcase across the world when lighter options abound.

Here’s our picks for the best lightweight luggage in 2017. We’ve included many luggage lines that offer both lightweight carry-ons and lightweight checked bags in our list, but the weights listed below are the carry-on bag weights.

Click on any of the images below to see details and shop, or scroll down to see detailed reviews.

Rockland’s Melbourne luggage line is value priced, but still comes in at a breezy 7 pounds for the carry-on. We’re loving the wide range of available colors, interior organization and spinner wheels, at less than $50 for a lightweight carry-on!

If you’re working with small budget, this is the best lightweight luggage for you. Be sure to take a look at the luggage sets available as well, as you can save quite a bit by purchasing a lightweight suitcase and carry-on together.

We’ve tested out and recommended Away’s luggage in the past, for our favorite Smart Luggage picks feature. In addition to having a handy power bank in their carry-on size suitcases, Away’s bags are surprisingly lightweight!

At just 7 pounds, the carry-on is a breeze to pick up. The bags offer modern, understated design (we’re seeing them all over Instagram lately), and great features like TSA locks. They’re also reasonably priced, with all bags–even the large cases!– under $300.

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A sleek case from a trusted name in luggage, Tumi’s V3 carry-on is just 7 pounds and boasts all the high quality features you’d expect, including integrated TSA locks and super smooth-rolling spinner wheels. Tumi can be pricey, but in this case, you get what you pay for, including excellent repair service if the bag is ever damaged.

Tumi’s V3 line includes 7 different lightweight suitcases, so even the pickiest traveler can find the right size bag. It’s some of the best lightweight luggage of 2017.

Another established luggage brand, Victorinox’s Etherius carry-on is made of the same lightweight polycarbonate as Tumi’s bag, but clocks in even lighter, at 6 pounds. In addition to the spinner wheels and integrated TSA locks you’d expect to find in a bag at this price point, it features an expansion zipper. This is a nice feature if you need to cram in some souvenirs, but beware that the bag may exceed allowable carry-on size when expanded.

In addition to the carry-on, the Etherius line includes medium and large size lightweight suitcases that are worth checking out.

Hartmann has been making unique, high quality luggage since the late 1800s (“Vintage Hartmann Luggage” is always a pleasant trip down the rabbit hole on Etsy), and even today their cases include touches like real leather handles.

The Innovaire line is constructed of woven polypropylene for a strong, lightweight case with textural appeal. The carry-on is an airy 5 pounds and includes integrated TSA locks, spinner wheels, leather handles, and some nice color choices.

The Innovaire line is one our favorites for the best lightweight luggage of 2017! Shop all Innovaire bags on Amazon, or on eBags.

A nice mid-range option, Travelpro’s Maxlite 4 lightweight carry-on is reasonably priced and just 6 pounds. It features spinner wheels, an expansion zipper, and great organization– all in all a good, dependable bag that won’t break the bank.

Eagle Creek is known for their quality, durable luggage. They can be a bit short on style, with a backpacker aesthetic, but the EC Adventure carry-on does deliver in the lightweight category, coming in at 7 pounds.

Heys America Xero line is another brand claiming to be the worlds lightest. Whether or not they’re truly the lightest, the Xero carry on is impressive at just under 4 pounds. The balance of features, style, and super light weight make it one of the best lightweight softside bags on this list.

FAQs

Are hardshell or softside suitcases better? Which is more lightweight?

We prefer hardshell suitcases, but it’s mainly a matter of preference and budget. Hardshell suitcases can be more protective of the contents, and we prefer the look. However, you’ll pay more for a quality hardshell suitcase, and there’s less room to expand if you just need to fit in a couple extra things.

Both types of suitcase have the potential to be incredibly lightweight –and keep in mind that even the heaviest bags we featured, at 7 pounds, feel very light. We’re willing to bet you’ll be happy with a 6 or 7 pound bag, even if it’s not “the world’s lightest.”